UC Irvine Anteaters vs Cal State Northridge Matadors Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Thursday, February 26, 2026
Use Code WWWC It’s a battle at the top of the Big West Conference on Thursday, Feb. 26. Read our UC Irvine vs Cal State Northridge prediction along with our NCAAB picks for the night. UC Irvine is 18-10 overall with an 11-5 conference record. The Anteaters have lost three of their last five games, though. Cal State Northridge is 18-10 with an 11-5 Big West record, too. Cal State Northridge is in fine form winning seven straight games coming into this matchup. These two teams will meet with tip-off set for 10 P.M. EST.
UC Irvine struggling over past few weeks
UC Irvine is 18-10 overall this season. They are tied for first place in the Big West Conference with an 11-5 record. The Anteaters are 6-5 when playing on the road this season. They are one of two teams in the conference with an above .500 road record. UC Irvine has lost three of their last five games coming into this matchup.
In their last game, UC Irvine lost 71-69 at home to UC San Diego on Saturday, Feb. 21. The Tritons led for 89% of the game as they dominated UC Irvine. The Anteaters shot 42% from the field and 45% from behind the 3-point line in the loss. Jurian Dixon led the team with 22 points on 9-for-18 shooting.
Dixon leads the team with 15.6 points per game. Kyle Evans is grabbing a team-high 8.8 rebounds, while Tama Isaac is dishing out 4.3 assists per game.
Get Free $30 Credit for Premium Picks + Exclusive Discounts
Subscribe Now
UC Irvine is the No. 111th ranked team in the nation according to KenPom. They are the 260th ranked offense, but they ranks 31st on the defensive end.
UC Irvine is averaging 77.1 points per game, which ranks 178th. They are shooting 46.3% from the field, which ranks 122nd. The Anteaters are making 33.9% from behind the 3-point line, placing them 192nd.
On defense, UC Irvine is allowing 67.8 points per game, which ranks 30th overall. They are the third-best defensive team, allowing 37.8% from the field. Opponents are making 33% from behind the 3-point line, which ranks 145th.
UC Irvine is 13-13 against the spread this season. They are 6-5 against the spread when playing on the road. The Anteaters are 9-7 against the spread when playing conference opponents this year. The under is 17-9 when UC Irvine has played this season. The under is 7-4 when playing on the road. The under is 11-5 when playing Big West opponents.
Northridge tied for the Big West Conference lead
Cal State Northridge is 18-10 overall this season. They are tied for first place in the Big West with an 11-5 record. They are tied for the conference lead with UC Irvine and Hawaii. The Matadors are 12-1 when they have played at home this season. The Matadors have won seven straight games coming into this matchup.
In their last game, Cal State Northridge defeated Long Beach State 78-76 on the road on Saturday, Feb. 21. The Matadors went on a 13-4 run in the first half to separate themselves. It was a lead that they never gave up for the rest of the game. Northridge shot 48% from the field and 30% from behind the 3-point line.
Larry Hughes II leads the team with 18.2 points per game. Joshua O’Garro is grabbing 9.4 rebounds while Josiah Davis is passing for 7.2 assists per game.
The Matadors are the 155th ranked team in the nation, according to KenPom. Northridge is also the 167th ranked offensive team and 154th ranked defensive team.
Northridge is averaging 85 points per game, which ranks 31st. They are the 157th ranked shooting team, making 45.7% from the field. The Matadors are the 198th ranked 3-point shooting team, making 33.8% from behind the arc.
On defense, Northridge are allowing 82 points per game, which ranks 334th. They are the 65th ranked defensive team, allowing 41.9% from the field. The Matadors are the 203rd ranked 3-point defensive team, giving 34% from behind the arc.
Northridge is 13-13 against the spread this season. They are 8-3 against the spread when playing at home this season. The Matadors are 8-8 against the spread during conference play. They are 6-5 against the spread when they have been favored. The over is 16-10 when they have played this year. The over is 7-4 during home games this year. The over is 9-6 when playing conference opponents.
UC Irvine Anteaters vs Cal State Northridge Matadors Picks
UC Irvine vs Cal State Northridge Spread Pick
- Take Cal State Northridge to cover (5 units)
It’s a battle between two of the teams tied for first place in the Big West. UC Irvine started fast, but they have not played their best basketball at the moment. They have lost three of their last five games, including their last game against UC San Diego, where the Tritons dominated for most of the game. I’m going to side with Northridge in this one simply because of their home record and win streak. They have won seven straight games and they have a 12-1 home record this year. They are averaging 85 points per game, which is a mark that UC Irvine has only hit once in their last six games. The Matadors are 8-3 against the spread when playing at home this season.
Take Cal State Northridge to cover.
UC Irvine vs Cal State Northridge Over/Under Pick
Take the over (5 units)
It’s a battle of different styles in this game. Northridge’s offense is one of the best in the league as they are averaging 85 points per game, which ranks 31st in the nation. The Matadors are also the third-fastest team in the nation. UC Irvine loves to play defense and they have the 31st ranked defense in the league, too. But, Northridge’s form during this win streak has been incredible and I suspect that a high scoring game will be featured. UC Irvine also ranks 116th in pace, so they don’t play very slow either. For Northridge, the over is 7-4 during home games this year. The over is 9-6 when playing conference opponents for the Matadors.
Take the over on Thursday.
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Winners and Whiners premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
